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Matt Hancock's career in Westminster is 'pretty much done', says Shapps

Matt Hancock on the finale of I'm A Celeb - James Gourley/ITV/Shutterstock
Matt Hancock on the finale of I'm A Celeb - James Gourley/ITV/Shutterstock

Matt Hancock's stint on I'm A Celebrity suggests he has decided that his political career is "done", a Cabinet minister has said.

Grant Shapps said that the MP's time in the jungle indicates he may have come to the conclusion his career in Westminster is over, asking why he would have taken part in the show if he "were going to carry on in Parliament".

The Business Secretary told Times Radio: "I do think... that his true position should have been in Parliament this last few weeks, and serving his constituents.

"You know, it's often said that... politics is showbusiness for ugly people. He should be with us uglies back in the House rather than the jungle down under."

Mr Hancock was voted out of the competition on Sunday night, securing third place in the series after his final bushtucker trial.

The fact the MP made it as far as he did came as a surprise to many, after he drew significant criticism for entering and even lost the Tory whip.

After leaving the jungle he also admitted that his I'm A Celebrity appearance was "controversial" as a former health secretary and MP.

Matt Hancock finished in third place and was greeted by girlfriend Gina Coladangelo - James Gourley/ITV/Shutterstock
Matt Hancock finished in third place and was greeted by girlfriend Gina Coladangelo - James Gourley/ITV/Shutterstock

He told the show's presenters Ant and Dec: "I know that it was controversial me coming here, I know some people said people in your position shouldn’t put themselves in embarrassing situations.

"But we’re all human and we all put ourselves in it."

He added: "We are normal people."

Asked if his appearance on the show means Mr Hancock should leave politics, Mr Shapps said: "I don't know, I haven't spoken to him about it but I suspect he may have already reached that conclusion.

"Why would you go off and spend all that time in the jungle if you were going to carry on in Parliament? I'm only speculating.

"But I do think the right place for him to be is in Parliament looking after his constituents. It's a very hard job to do if you're completely out of touch.

"And I think he may therefore have come to the conclusion that his parliamentary career is pretty much done."

Jill Scott, Matt Hancock and Owen Warner made it to the final on Sunday but the lioness was crowned queen of the jungle - ITV/Shutterstock
Jill Scott, Matt Hancock and Owen Warner made it to the final on Sunday but the lioness was crowned queen of the jungle - ITV/Shutterstock

His comments came after cabinet minister Mark Harper said Mr Hancock should not have participated – regardless of how well he did.

The former chief whip told Sky's Sophy Ridge on Sunday: "If you are a member of Parliament and Parliament is sitting, I think your job is to be representing your constituents, either in your constituency or in Parliament.

"I don't think serving members of Parliament should be taking part in reality television programmes.

He added: "However well they do on them, I still think they should be doing the job for which they are paid a good salary – which is representing their constituents."